Sewer backups can turn nasty fast. Problems lurking beneath the surface may have been building up for weeks or months. When things stop working, it’s unpleasant for everyone involved. A sewer backup is more than just an odor problem. It can shut down a workplace and disrupt an industrial site’s normal operations. In addition, it can result in costly repairs that take weeks to get back to normal. The problem with sewers is that industrial site managers or owners often don’t know how to spot the signs of trouble brewing. After all, it’s not their area of expertise. They just know that they need help when a crisis arrives. Hopefully, pipe repair companies can respond quickly, but that’s not always the case. Here are four signs of a sewer backup that can help you spot one before disaster strikes.
1. Multiple Clogged Drains
Everyone’s had to deal with a clogged drain at some point. Maybe you work with people who have long hair, and over time hair builds up and stops water from going down a drain. No problem – a little drain cleaner and you’re good to go. However, if you live or work somewhere and notice multiple drains getting clogged at the same time, it’s an indication of a larger problem. There could be a central clog underground somewhere that’s affecting other drains.
2. Toilets Aren’t Flushing Normally
Toilets can also indicate a sewer backup. If you or others are noticing that it’s harder to flush waste down the toilet, it’s possible something’s restricting water flow. A quick fix is to try and plunge the toilet, but if the problem persists it’s likely something bigger. You’ll need something that can go deeper than just a plunger.
3. Bubbles Return Up Through a Drain
If you watch water going down a drain and notice little bubbles coming back up, you might have a sewer backup. Hair, dirt and other debris can build up over weeks, months, and years. In the process, air can get caught in little pockets in the clog. When water flows into the clog, it can shake free air that floats back up to the drain as bubbles.
4. Sounds from Other Drains
You likely have a sewer backup if you hear gurgling sounds in other drains when you’re not using them. A lot of times, someone will flush a toilet in one room, and the sink will make a strange noise in another room. It’s a sign that there’s a central clog, and that pressure is being released through another drain.
Industrial CIPP has a team of experienced technicians to handle any sewer backup problems affecting our clients. We’ve spent years serving our clients with the best industrial pipe maintenance and repair available. Contact us to speak with our team about what we can do to keep your sewage system clear.